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Our News Archives

Title / Summary Publication Date

Judge Stephen Vaden sworn in as Deputy Secretary of USDA

Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden was sworn in as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture on July 7, 2025.  Judge Vaden is from Union City, Tennessee and previously served as General Counsel at USDA during the first Trump Administration.
7/11/2025

Plaintiffs Seek Preliminary Injunction Against USDA to Block Enforcement of Controversial Horse Protection Rules

AMARILLO, TEXAS — Plaintiffs Tom Gould, Ann Mills, and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Association have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in federal court to halt the enforcement of three key rules by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that they argue violate federal law and due process protections.
7/9/2025

Patterns Announced for the 2025 International

Patterns Announced for the 2025 International. 
7/9/2025

Judges Announced for 87th Celebration

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has selected Chris Bobo, Ross Campbell, Robert Cortner, Brent Grider and David Sisk to judge the 87th Annual Celebration, to be held Aug. 20–30, 2025.
7/8/2025

Equine Obituary – Mr. Reach

5 x Reserve World Champion, Mr. Reach, was peacefully laid to rest on July 8, 2025, at 29 years old. Born on April 26, 1996, he was by Mr. Coppertop and out of Casey’s Crystal.
7/8/2025

WHTA Auxiliary Presents 2025 Scholarships

Each year the Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary awards scholarships to eligible candidates involved with Tennessee Walking Horses who are furthering his/her education. Each application is professionally evaluated and scored by several qualified professional people.
7/7/2025

Latest Issue 7 7 25

7/3/2025

VFW Food Booth to Retire from the 87th Annual Celebration; Grindstone Cowboy to Join as New Vendor

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — After decades of loyal service and fundraising efforts, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5019 in Shelbyville has announced it will no longer operate its food booth during the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, beginning in 2025.
7/2/2025

Tennessee Walking Horse Industry Files Federal Lawsuit Challenging USDA Disqualification Rules

On June 30, 2025, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Association (“Association”), along with horse owners Tom Gould and Ann Mills, sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA” or “Agency”) challenging multiple USDA decisions disqualifying horses in past shows and challenging the USDA rules that were applied to disqualify those horses.
7/1/2025

Obituary – Todd Grider

Todd Grider, 54, of Columbia, Kentucky, died Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:54 A.M. at TJ Health/ Columbia Emergency Room.
7/1/2025

Equiskill Challenge Cup Judge and Pattern Announced

Ms. Neva La Fleur will mark the cards for the very first Equiskill Challenge Cup Equitation Championship class.The International Championship Show will host the class on July 19, 2025, at Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN.
6/30/2025

Phoenix Charity Places First Dog

Tullahoma, Tenn. – The Phoenix Charity, a 501(c)3 dedicated to providing service and companion dogs for veterans, successfully placed its first dog, Claire, a German Shepherd, with Iraq War veteran Roger Wagner.
6/30/2025

Obituary – Robert Clayton “Clay” Avent

Robert Clayton “Clay” Avent of Brick Church, Tennessee, passed away Saturday afternoon, June 28, 2025, at his home in Giles County. Born on May 16, 1970, in Memphis, Tennessee, he was 55 years old. Clay was a lifelong farrier, blacksmith, and cattleman.
6/29/2025

Christmas In July Adjusts Start Time

Christmas In July Update: Please note that the final performance tonight will now begin at 5:30 PM, instead of the originally scheduled 4:30 PM.
6/28/2025

Obituary – Mary Ellen Areaux

It is with deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved Mary Ellen Areaux. Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, she was a trailblazer in many ways. Best known as the owner and operator of Walkers West, a renowned Tennessee Walking Horse breeding and training facility in Kaufman, Texas.
6/27/2025